We pick up a rental car and leave Lisbon. James has kindly offered to be the driver and I’m the back-up (hoping and praying I won’t need to drive the monster 9 seater minibus!!). We pack all the bags, load up the passengers and get on the road…..
Before making our way to Óbidos we drive to Cabo Da Roca, the most westerly point in Europe.
As we continue our drive along what is known as the silver coast, we are taken through a number of small villages and up and over a number of steep hills and narrow roads. James does a great job keeping us between the ditches with his trusted navigator up front (not me!!).
We stop for lunch at Ericeira and have the largest toasted sandwhich EVER!! They’re the size of a large pizza and are definitely for sharing
Ericeira is a beautiful seaside town considered the surfing capital of Europe. We have a short look around and admire the beautiful white and blue coloured buildings and the picturesque beach.
Onwards to Óbidos which is a walled city, located approximately 85kms (just over an hours drive) to the north of Lisbon. It is considered one of Portugals prettiest towns with a population of approx 3,000 people. It’s a myriad of narrow cobbled streets and has a very old medieval feel to it.
Our Airbnb is definitely the most unusual and spectacular place I’ve stayed in. It’s essentially two buildings joined by an arch over a narrow street. Tourists actually take photos of it as they pass by…
It takes us a while to navigate the house as it’s over multiple levels. The kitchen feels like it’s a kilometre walk from the bedroom. We communicate via group chat as it’s hard to know where someone is at any given time and there’s no use shouting as you’d never be heard! There’s a large living room with a library at mezzanine level.
Our first night we decide to stay in and enjoy the beautiful terrace. The weather is warm and there’s a great view. We are right beside a church where the bells ring on the hour, quarter and half… flashbacks to Seville! There’s a dumb waiter that we use to get goodies from the kitchen to the terrace… it’s so exciting hearing it’s arrival to see what surprise someone has sent up.. is it tea or biscuits or wine… hmmm….
Next day we have a full day to explore the town. We start by checking out the castle
At the entrance to the castle is Sao Tiago church, which when you step inside, you see is a very nice bookshop.
I walk the ramparts the whole way around the town
We meet the rest of the gang for lunch at a cute outdoor restaurant just outside the walls that forms part of the aqueduct.
After lunch we take a walk to a large hexagonal church outside of the walls. Unfortunately it’s closed but the view back to the town is worth it.
Tonight we eat at a restaurant called Jamon Jamon. It’s recommended in lonely planet and is a short walk outside the city walls. It’s Moniques birthday tonight so we are celebrating. The restaurant serves tapas style dishes and is a lot fancier than we had expected. Unfortunately I’m not feeling great in the tummy area so I don’t have much but I’m assured it’s all very tasty.
Next day in Óbidos is a chill out day as we’ve been on the go since we left Dublin. I’m glad for the rest and we lounge around the casa, reading and relaxing. We take a little wander around the streets taking it nice and easy.
You can enter Obidos via a number of gates, the main gate being the decorative Porta da Vila
The main Street has lots of small shops with local crafts and goodies. It gets a lot of day visitors so I sneak out early on our last morning before the hordes arrive to snap some photos.
The drink we tasted in Lisbon is originally from Obidos. Shots are available everywhere… even from small craft shops selling textiles or local crafts – they’ll have a stand with a shot glass or chocolate cup ready to sell you a shot for a euro.
It’s time to leave Óbidos so we wheel our bags out of the city gates and wave goodbye to to this beautiful town.
odohertyelaine 
Love reading your blogs again Elaine!
Wonderful adventures and fabulous photos!
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